Constitutional convention one of two questions on statewide ballot

HARTFORD - It's been more than 40 years since Connecticut has held a constitutional convention to consider major revisions to the state's highest law.

Supporters will have the chance next week to call another one.

There are two statewide questions on the Nov. 4 ballot in Connecticut. One asks if people whose 18th birthday falls between primary and general elections should be allowed to vote in the primary. The other, which is drawing the most attention, asks if the state should hold a constitutional convention.

If voters say yes to the second question, delegates will be appointed by the state General Assembly and given the chance to propose any changes to the Connecticut Constitution, which provides the framework for all branches of state government. Any proposed changes would then go to a statewide vote.

The process takes months and lawmakers say it could cost millions. The last constitutional convention was in 1965, and was called to correct a flawed system of apportioning representatives to the General Assembly.

This time proponents want to change the constitution to allow citizens the opportunity to bypass the legislature and petition for changes in state law through direct ballot initiatives.

"We think the leadership in the state House and the state Senate are unresponsive to the citizens of the state and their needs," said Matthew Daly, chairman of the Constitutional Convention Campaign.

Opponents warn that a constitutional convention could change anything and everything in the constitution, including laws on abortion or gay marriage.

"It puts every right up for grabs," said Peggy Shorey, campaign director for the Vote No Coalition. "I don't think anyone believes we need a radical update to our constitution."

Daly said the opponents of the measure want to prevent Connecticut citizens from having direct democracy initiatives or referendums. He said his organization is neutral about individual issues that may come before the convention.

"This campaign is either advocating for or being against direct initiative," Daly said. "We're for it, they're against it."

Gov. M. Jodi Rell said in September she supports having a constitutional convention. Rell spokesman Christopher Cooper said that she has supported having statewide referendums since she was a legislator.

"The governor has long believed in enabling citizens in having a greater voice and participation in government," Cooper said.

She thinks having opportunities such as referendums for citizens to participate in is a good thing. But she believes there should be thresholds and guidelines about what can be on the ballots.

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal opposes the convention, saying Connecticut should be careful, particularly being the Constitution state, about changing bedrock rights and liberties.

"There is a much more reliable, less costly process to amend the constitution," Blumenthal said. "Through the specific amendment process which has been used 30 times since 1965."

That process typically requires a three-quarters vote of both General Assembly houses to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot.

Blumenthal said he believes a constitutional convention should only be used for profound reasons. The amendment process has dealt with removing the sheriffs' system, requiring annual legislature and a process for replacing the governor, he added.

"My fear about the constitutional convention is that it portends a costly open-ended free-for-all that could well be dominated by special interests," Blumenthal said.

Here are the two statewide ballot questions that will be on the Nov. 4 ballot in Connecticut:

1. "Shall there be a constitutional convention to amend or revise the constitution of the state?"

2. "Shall the constitution of the state be amended to permit any person who will have attained the age of 18 years on or before the day of a regular election to vote in the primary for such regular election?"